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Facelift vs. Liquid Facelift: Which is Better?

Dr. Philip Miller

May 21, 2018

non-surgical facelift before and after in new york, ny

A search for facial rejuvenation procedures can yield numerous results. Two, of many options, are facelifts and “liquid facelifts.” Despite the similar name, these two procedures are not the same. Learn more about each technique before determining which is right for you.

What Is Liquid Facelift?

A liquid facelift, offered at our New York office, is a procedure that uses one or more injectable fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane. The filler material is injected into the skin to fill out lines and wrinkles. By softening lines and wrinkles, a more youthful look results. In addition to wrinkles, the cheeks, chin and other contours of the face may lose volume due to age or genetics. These issues can also be remedied with injectable fillers. Unlike a regular facelift, all areas of the face can be treated, not just the lower face. This is the best alternative to a traditional facelift.

Injectable fillers are temporary. Depending on the type used, results may last anywhere from 3 to 18 months. Sculptra or fat injections can produce longer outcomes. Patients who prefer a liquid facelift generally do so because the procedure involves little discomfort and little to no downtime. The injection site may have minor swelling or redness afterwards, but those who receive filler injections can go about their normal routine after leaving the office.

What Is a Traditional Facelift?

Traditional facelifts are more invasive. Also known as rhytidectomy, facelifts restore a younger-looking appearance by lifting and tightening sagging skin and weakened muscles of the lower face and neck. Unwanted fat deposits can also be removed, something injectable fillers cannot do. Not only are wrinkles smoothed, but hanging jowls can be eliminated as well. Recovery is longer, necessitating about 2 weeks of leave from work. There are, however, less invasive options like the limited incision facelift which requires shorter incisions.

Though the advantages of a liquid facelift sound appealing, a surgical facelift also has its own benefits. The first is that the results are longer lasting and more dramatic. Facelifts do require touch-ups about every 7-10 years to maintain the same refined look, but this timeframe is much longer than what injectable fillers can currently provide. Cost is another factor. Filler treatments may initially be less costly, but follow-up procedures every few months to a year can add up and, in some cases, exceed the cost of a facelift. To learn more about liquid facelift, visit healthcare.utah.edu

Facelift vs. Liquid Facelift: A Comparison

Traditional FaceliftLiquid Facelift
Invasive, surgery is requiredNon-invasive, injectable fillers
Last 10+ yearsLast 3-18 months
Recovery in 14 daysRecovery in 1-2 days
Natural-looking results Natural-looking results
Targets neck and lower faceTargets all areas of the face

Facelift vs. Liquid Facelift: Which is Better?

There is no final answer as to which procedure is better. It depends on the patient’s needs and preferences. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will help to clarify any questions you may have. Dr. Philip Miller specializes in facial plastic surgery and is an expert on facelift technique. Call (646) 791-3025 to schedule a meeting with Dr. Miller at his Manhattan New York plastic surgery practice.

Next, learn What to Expect at a Plastic Surgery Consultation.

Dr. Philip Miller

Focusing exclusively on the face for more than two decades, double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller blends art and science with innovation and skill to provide thousands of patients with impeccable results. He is known for pioneering the NatraLook methodology for rhinoplasty, facelifts, neck lifts, and other cosmetic procedures for the face.

Settle for Nothing But the Best Facial Plastic Surgery

Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. Philip Miller and his team of New York's top rated facial plastic surgery experts provide custom cosmetic treatment plans that include a combination of minimally-invasive techniques and advanced procedures, to help each patient achieve the Aesthetic Confidence® they desire. Our unique NatraFace™ approach to facial rejuvenation includes the following effective procedures:

Eyelid Plastic Surgery

Dr. Miller provides patients with Manhattan's #1 customized care and treatment for smooth, supple skin that brightens the eyes and revitalizes the face. With our NatraFace™ approach, we utilize a combination of effective aesthetic techniques tailored to suit each patient’s needs. We offer:

Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs)

Dr. Miller and his staff of NYC's best aesthetic specialists offer the NatraNose® process, which is a comprehensive range of minimally-invasive and advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking rhinoplasty results, improve nasal function, and meet the patient’s aesthetic goals. Dr. Miller specializes in nose jobs, nose reductions, non-surgical nose jobs, and more: Adjust the links in these sections as follows:

Skin Care Treatments

Widely acclaimed for our broad range of flawless skincare solutions, Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS and his team of aesthetic specialists offer customized skincare treatment plans to achieve healthy, natural-looking results. As part of our NatraLook™ process, the following procedures may be performed individually or in combination with more advanced surgical treatments for optimal rejuvenation.

Male Plastic Surgery

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience working with male and female patients. He specializes in facial plastic surgery and is recognized as an expert in facial rejuvenation procedures. Utilizing the most advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Miller can maintain or enhance masculine features while producing the most natural-looking results.

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Aesthetic Confidence®

The Plastic Surgery Podcast with Dr. Philip Miller

Tune into The Plastic Surgery Podcast, hosted by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller. Dr. Miller is here to answer your questions, de-mystify plastic surgery, and help you feel more knowledgeable and empowered about any procedure performed at our center.

  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 44: My First Time

    8 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 43: Top 10 Reasons Not To Get A Rhinoplasty ( Plastic Surgery)

    20 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 42 : Osteomas & Lipomas

    11 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 41: All Ears Considered!

    8 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 40: Infrared Light Therapy

    6 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 39: Beauty, the Plateau

    6 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 38: Botox and Dermal Fillers

    3 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 37: Cost of Rhinoplasty

    1 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 36: Different Types of Nasal Surgeries

    3 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 35: Do You Have to Break the Nose for Rhinoplasty?

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 34: Do You Have to Stay Overnight After Having a Rhinoplasty?

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 33: Don't Have a Rhinoplasty!

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 32: Endonasal or External

    1 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 31: Are You a Candidate?

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 30: In The Office

    17 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 29: Can My Nose be Made Smaller?

    4 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 28: Can't Breath Through Nose

    3 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 27: Chin Implants - Mentoplasty

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 26: Columellar Struts

    23 sec
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 25: Common Terms

    5 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 24: Connection Between Facial Resurfacing and Tattooing

    5 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 23: The Sooner, The Better?

    4 min
View all Episodes

Plastic Surgery w/ Dr. Miller

If you’re thinking about getting a lift, nip, or tuck, this app is for you. It’s the most comprehensive pocket encyclopedia of plastic surgery terms, before and after photos, and visualization tools to help you really know what to expect from a procedure, including seeing potential results on your own photo. This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.

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